A Nigerian commercial bank,
Access Bank Plc, has introduced a parental leave policy that extends paid
benefits to all mothers and fathers.

According to a statement by the
bank’s Head, Group Human Resources, Bolaji Agbede, the newly introduced
parental leave policy allows parents to truly bond with their new child,
balance their work schedule and help reduce conflict with parental obligations.

She said: “The policy which is
designed to foster an inclusive workplace, offers paid leave to all new parents
at the bank including mothers and fathers, as well as adoptive and surrogate
parents.

“The new policy which is the
first by a Nigerian bank, offers one week fully paid paternity leave to male
employees and allows them to care for their offspring and spend some quality
time with the new addition to their family while supporting the new mother who
needs the break. ‎

“Also included in the new policy
is a surrogacy or adoptive leave with full pay for 3 calendar months for female
employees of the bank.

“These benefits supplement the 12
weeks of paid leave Access Bank currently provides to birth mothers. The policy
also complements the bank’s existing health and flexible workplace benefits,
which support work-life balance.

“Studies have shown that fathers
who take paternity leave are more likely to take an active role in child care
tasks and will continue to play this role long after the period of leave has
ended. It is important for the new father to take time off as it helps all
parents, regardless of family structure. This new policy is an evidence of the
bank’s support to employees during this wonderful but challenging time in their
lives.

“Furthermore, a pregnant employee
who has been in the bank’s employment for 12 consecutive months also has the
option of 6 calendar months maternity leave with two-thirds of full month pay,
while the surrogacy or adoptive leave period is 3 calendar months with full pay
or 6 calendar months leave with two-thirds of full month pay.”